Johann van Graan’s Bath turned the tables on defending champions Northampton Saints, exacting revenge for last season’s Premiership final defeat on the opening night of the new season.

– Three months after losing 25-21 to the Saints in last season’s final at Twickenham, Bath ran in five tries to earn a sensational 38-16 victory at the Recreation Ground, making a statement start to the new season. Former Stormers flank Jaco Coetzee, one of four South Africans on the bench for Bath, wrapped up the win with a late try. Lock Quinn Roux started for Bath, while Louis Schreuder, Jacques du Plessis and Frans van Wyk were substitutes. Juarno Augustus played 31 minutes off the bench for Northampton.

– Bristol Bears also got off to a winning start on Friday night, fighting to a 24-3 away win in Newcastle. The home side put in an improved performance from their record 85-14 defeat at Ashton Gate last season, but still fell to their 22nd league loss in a row. Benhard Janse van Rensburg started in midfield for Bristol.

– Hanro Leibenberg grabbed a second-half try as Michael Cheika started his tenure at Leicester Tigers with a dramatic 17-14 win over the Chiefs in Exeter. Former Bulls flank Liebenberg scored in a thrilling second half, where Leicester lost centre Solomone Kata to a red card late on for a dangerous tackle, but snatched victory with a try in overtime. No 8 Kyle Hatherell also started for Leicester, while Exeter had South African-born Italy flank Ross Vintcent in their lineup.

– Saracens, with the services of former captain Owen Farrell, began the season with a 35-26 away win against Gloucester, with scrumhalf Ivan van Zyl scoring one of their four tries.

– The final game of the round saw Sale Sharks edge out Harlequins 12-11 in an attritional contest, with England flyhalf George Ford kicking four penalties. Ernst van Rhyn and Hyron Andrews formed the second row for the Sharks, who had Jean-Luc du Preez at No 8 and Robert du Preez at inside centre. Stephan Lewies and Irne Herbst were at lock for Harlequins.

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Src: sarugbymag.co.za